Swindon Lib Dems support the 2012 Olympic Bid

12.24.42am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Apr 2005

Organisers for the 2012 Olympic bid were in Swindon today to seek support for London as the host city in 2012. Nationally and locally the Liberal Democrats have supported the bid.

Cllr Chris Shepherd signs the London 2012 Olympic Bid Flag

In Swindon the Lib Dem Leader, Cllr Chris Shepherd said:

"Every four years the Olympic spirit captures the imagination of everyone, young and old. That is why Swindon is right behind London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games because winning the bid would be a victory for everyone in the United Kingdom."

There are few nations where sport is such an important part of the national culture as it is in the UK. Sport unites us. In offices and factories, shop and homes, Monday morning conversation invariably revolves around the great sporting contests of the weekend. Whether it's the one-on-one drama of Wimbledon fortnight or the mass participation of the London Marathon, title races in national team games - football, rugby or cricket - or the bravery of individuals in world title boxing bouts, all are analysed, argued over and admired.

Sarah Teather MP, the Liberal Democrats' spokeswoman on affairs in the capital, said: "London has everything the Games need: a strong technical bid, the skills and enthusiasm, and a legacy to regenerate the parts of London that need it most. The Countdown Clock is counting down the days, hours and minutes until the vote in Singapore the excitement and passion for London's bid can only grow."